In Which Carmen Regrets not Paying More Attention to Girltalk

I'd planned to go to prom alone--with a bunch of friends, of course, but not with anyone. But then I was talking to my best friend last night and suddenly I was asking him to prom and he was accepting and I was thinking What the Hell? and then it was over and now I need a dress. Of course, being the most non-girly girl ever, I have not the faintest clue where to get a dress.

Girls on my flist (a.k.a. my entire flist): know of any good places to get a [preferably red] dress for something less than I might pay for a small house? Have you had any success with ordering off the internet, or do you usually go to specific department stores, or have you only found anything good ever at little dress shops? I'd greatly appreciate relation of any experiences you've had because I've never done this before and it feels strange.

Wow, I'm pathetic. :P